Tummy Tuck?

Well, Pub 509 states "Generally, you cannot include in medical expenses the amount you pay for unnecessary cosmetic surgery. This includes any procedure that is directed at improving the patient's appearance and does not meaningfully promote the proper function of the body or prevent or treat illness or disease." I don't think this applies to you as the condition you describe sounds like something that is needed, not the cosmetic surgery as described. Given that, you should ask if this is covered by your insurance plan, in which case your question happily is rendered moot. If not, keep in mind, this is deductible to the extent it exceeds 7.5% of your AGI (adjusted gross income) and is then a schedule A deduction, which you may not use unless you have enough Sch A items to exceed the standard deduction ($5450 single, $10900 joint). See

"sonata32" wrote

It doesn't sound like a purely cosmetic procedure to me. Therefore it would be deductible.

-- Paul A. Thomas, CPA Athens, Georgia

If a tummy tuck or some liposuction seems in order, the bad news is that cosmetic medical procedure costs generally aren't deductible. They are deductible, however, if required to correct a deformity caused by an accident or disfiguring disease. Milt Baker CPA

First I want to say thank-you to those who replied to my post and given me some helpful information. On the other hand, my doctors wrote their letter to my insurance company